Richard Neil Carpenter

He was born to Carl Augustus Carpenter and Helen Cook Carpenter in San Francisco California on September 5, 1931.

Richard Carpenter served his country in the US Air Force from April 11, 1952 and was honorably discharged on January 21, 1956 Metals earned: National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal. He served his country as a photographer and air police. He spent 9 months in Korea and 3 months in Japan. He was stationed in Arizona and California and was separated from the service when he was at March Air Force Base, California.

Once he completed his service, he continued his education utilizing the GI bill and received a Masters Degree in Education Administration from California State University, Long Beach in 1960. He devoted his life to the service of others. After several years teaching and education administration in the California public school system, Richard founded Victor Valley Christian Schools in 1969. From that point on and for the next 38 years, he devoted his life to the ministry and Christian education.

Rich received his Certificate of Ordination from the Assemblies of God in 1980 and maintained it until he died.

Rich's hobbies, mostly outdoor of course, included of skiing, hiking, biking, photography and fishing.

Rich is survived by his wife of 59 years: Esther Kathleen Forbes "Kathie" Carpenter, Riverside, California, they met at Westmont College and were married August 28, 1953

Daughter: Karen Carpenter Lugo Esquire and her husband Ronald Lugo MD of Riverside, California

Daughter: Sharon Carpenter Campbell and her husband David Campbell of Austin, Texas

Son: Andrew James Carpenter of Las Vegas, Nevada

Brother in law: Gordon Forbes, Calimesa, California

Nieces: Army Chaplain Major Leslie Forbes Mariani of Honolulu Hawaii, Kelly Carpenter McDaniels of Loveland, Colorado

Nephews: Carl "Ted" Carpenter of Corona, California, Scott Carpenter, Oregon

Grandson: Kenneth Semph; his wife Corina Semph and great grandson Henry Semph, of Austin, Texas

Grandson: Timothy Campbell, of Austin, Texas

Granddaughter: Kristin Semph Engel; her husband Jason Engel; great grandson Nolan Engel; great granddaughter Audrey Engel, of Austin, Texas

Granddaughter: Jaime Lynn Carpenter, of Laveen, Arizona

Preceded in death by:

Brothers: the late Peter Carpenter and the late Jed Carpenter

Granddaughter: Tara Nicole Campbell

Nieces: Claudia Forbes Blanco, Terry Carpenter Metheny, Tina Carpenter

SERVICE

A military committal service will be held at Riverside National Cemetery on Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 10:15 AM. Active duty CH (MAJ) Leslie Forbes Mariani (Rich's niece) will conduct the service. Immediately following, please join the family in celebrating the life of Richard "Rich" Carpenter at Ron and Karen Lugo's home.

DONATIONS:

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Rich Carpenter's first great grandson's Christian education as follows:

Bannockburn Christian Academy

7100 Brodie Ln

Austin, TX 78745

Att: Admissions

Please make a note in the memo area of the check: for Nolan Engel's tuition

A tribute to Richard Carpenter was personalized by his Visalia Christian Academy staff in 2004:

THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE LORD

Lyrics by Ray Bolz

I dreamed I went to heaven and you were there with me. We walked along the streets of gold, beside the crystal sea. We heard the angels singing and someone called your name.

You turned and saw this young one, and she was smiling as she came.

She said, "You may not know me now." And then again, "But wait, you used to be my principal when I was only eight.

Every day you would say a prayer before each class would start.

One day when you said that prayer, I asked Jesus in my heart."

Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.

Thank you for giving you the Lord. I am so glad you gave.

One by one they came as far as the eye could see.

Each life some how touched by your generosity.

Little things that you have done, sacrifices made, unnoticed on the earth, in heaven now proclaimed.

Now I know in heaven you're not suppose to cry, but I am almost sure there were tears in your eyes.

As Jesus took your hand, you stood before the Lord. He said, "Rich look all around you for great is your reward!"

Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.

Thank you for giving you the Lord. I am so glad you gave.

Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.

Thank you for giving you the Lord. I am so glad you gave.

With love and thanks from your VCA staff 2003-2004

As described by a teacher, Gina M Avery, from Renton Christian School May 26, 2002: Mr Carpenter was Kind, Loving, Gentle, Pastor, Counselor, Encourager, Giver of Wisdom, Joyful Spirit, Great Listener, Exerciser, Participator, Administrator, Service of the Creator, Sent by God, Commissioned for Service

Mr "C" and His Dancing Feet

During Chapel,

You have dancing feet!

Some may think it's weird,

But we think it's really kind of neat!

After ten years of service,

You can really keep the beat!

It must be the Holy Spirit

That grooves inside of you.

We only hope that some day,

Our feet will dance like you!